Author(s)

J. Irwin, L. Pope & R. Willows

Abstract

The European Union Habitats Directive requires Member States to review existing authorisations and consents that are likely to have a significant impact on designated conservation areas. Such areas may have one or more features designated for protection, for example a single species such as the Marsh Fritillary butterfly or a particular plant community such as oak woodland. A database of the sensitivity of each feature to acidification was compiled, together with the ecosystem type considered to be its most sensitive habitat requirement. Relevant critical loads were calculated from soil distribution and soil chemistry data. Deposition from individual large combustion sources emitting more than 300 tonnes of sulphur or nitrogen per year was modelled. Comparison with the critical load data allowed exceedances to be identified. Both critical loads and modelled dep

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